Saint Josemaria Escriva, born in Barbastro, Spain, in 1902, is a prominent figure in modern Christianity. As the founder of Opus Dei, a Roman Catholic organization devoted to teaching that everyone can achieve holiness in their daily lives, Escriva’s influence has left a lasting impact on the religious landscape. Ordained as a priest in 1925, Escriva spent his life spreading the message of Opus Dei, which means “Work of God” in Latin, with an emphasis on the integration of faith, work, and daily life.
Under Escriva’s leadership, Opus Dei expanded its reach worldwide, promoting the teachings of sanctifying daily work and fostering spiritual growth among ordinary Catholics. His writings, particularly his seminal book, “The Way,” have inspired numerous followers, offering practical spiritual advice for living a devout life. Escriva’s emphasis on the importance of laypeople in the church and the potential for holiness in all circumstances paved the way for a more inclusive approach to Catholic spirituality.
In 2002, the Catholic Church recognized Saint Josemaria Escriva’s contributions to modern Christianity, canonizing him as a saint in a ceremony officiated by Pope John Paul II. He is the patron saint of diabetes, as he suffered from the disease himself before his miraculous healing. Escriva’s life and legacy continue to offer guidance, inspiration, and a sense of purpose to countless individuals across the globe seeking spiritual meaning in their everyday lives.
Early Life and Priesthood
Childhood in Barbastro, Spain
Saint Josemaria Escriva was born on January 9, 1902, in Barbastro, Spain. He was the second of six children in a devout Catholic family. His father was a merchant, and his mother dedicated her time to raising their children and looking after their home. From a young age, Josemaria was deeply religious and felt a strong calling to serve God.
Ordination and Life as a Diocesan Priest
After completing his early education in Barbastro, Josemaria moved to Zaragoza to study for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest on March 28, 1925, and began serving in a rural parish. Later, he was transferred to the city of Zaragoza, where he continued his pastoral work while also studying law and theology at the University of Zaragoza.
During this time, Josemaria’s spiritual insight and dedication to his duties as a priest led to the founding of Opus Dei, an organization that aimed to help ordinary people grow in their relationship with God through their daily work and life.
Spanish Civil War and Religious Persecution
The outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 brought widespread persecution of the Catholic Church in Spain, forcing priests like Josemaria to go into hiding. During this time, he continued to minister to those in need while hiding from anti-Catholic authorities.
In 1937, Josemaria made a dangerous journey across the Pyrenees mountains to escape the hostile environment in Spain and continue his ministry. He spent the remainder of the war in Rome, where he obtained a doctorate in theology and continued to develop and expand Opus Dei.
Throughout his life and priestly ministry, Saint Josemaria Escriva remained dedicated to his calling and committed to helping others grow in their faith. His tireless work and devotion eventually led to his canonization as a saint by Pope John Paul II on October 6, 2002.
Founding of Opus Dei
Message and Call to Holiness
Opus Dei, meaning “Work of God,” was founded by Saint Josemaria Escriva in 1928 in Spain. Its core message emphasizes the universal call to holiness—the idea that everyone, regardless of their role or status, can live a life of sanctity in their daily life. Opus Dei aims to help individuals to sanctify their work, family life, and social relationships through fostering a deep interior life of prayer and offering a structured spiritual formation.
Priestly Society of the Holy Cross
In 1943, Saint Josemaria Escriva founded the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross within Opus Dei. The society’s mission is to promote the sanctification of priests, with a special emphasis on those who become part of Opus Dei. Members of the Priestly Society commit to developing a deep relationship with Christ and dedicating themselves to the service of the Church.
Personal Prelature and Relationship with the Holy See
Opus Dei was established as a personal prelature by Pope John Paul II in 1982. A personal prelature is a canonical structure within the Catholic Church that has the flexibility to serve the faithful without being tied to a specific territory or diocese. This status allows Opus Dei to work in collaboration with local bishops around the world in fostering the spiritual development of individuals.
Opus Dei maintains a close relationship with the Holy See in Rome and follows its teachings and guidance. Opus Dei’s founder, Saint Josemaria Escriva, was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. This canonization is a testament to the organization’s commitment to the mission of the Church and its spiritual impact on the lives of many people.
Spiritual Works and Writings
The Way
The Way is a collection of spiritual considerations written by St. Josemaria aimed at helping people deepen their relationship with God and develop their spiritual life. The book consists of 999 short, thought-provoking reflections that cover various aspects of Christian life, including prayer, work, friendship, and more.
Furrow and The Forge
The Forge and Furrow are works similar to The Way in the sense that they both contain brief, insightful texts to guide individuals in their spiritual journey. Furrow contains 1002 points, while The Forge has 1059 points. These writings emphasize the importance of incorporating spirituality in daily activities, fostering virtues, and striving for sanctity.
Holy Rosary and Christ is Passing By
St. Josemaria’s_Holy Rosary is a series of meditations that accompany each of the Mysteries of the Rosary. These meditations help the reader contemplate Christ’s life and learn from His example.
Christ is Passing By consists of a collection of homilies given by St. Josemaria on various occasions such as Christmas, Easter, and other significant liturgical events. These homilies provide insights into Gospel passages and offer practical advice for living a Christian life.
Homilies and Letters
In addition to his books, St. Josemaria also left a legacy of recorded homilies and letters which provide rich spiritual guidance. A compilation of homilies called Friends of God sheds light on aspects of Christian life, such as faith, humility, and charity.
His letters, written to a wide range of people, serve as a testament to his pastoral concern and love for souls. They tackle topics like discernment, prayer, and commitment to the mission of the Church.
Influence and Legacy
Canonization by John Paul II
Saint Josemaría Escrivá was canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 6, 2002. The pope praised Escrivá’s teachings and the work he did within the Catholic Church. The canonization process began with the declaration of his heroic virtues by Pope John Paul II in 1990, followed by beatification in 1992.
Saint Josemaría’s Role in the Catholic Church
During World War II, Saint Josemaría played a significant role in providing spiritual guidance and support to many people who were affected by the war. His teachings emphasized the importance of dedicating oneself to work and daily life as a means of sanctification. As the founder of the Opus Dei, a lay organization within the Catholic church, Josemaría instilled the values of personal holiness and apostolic zeal in its members.
Educational and Social Initiatives
Under Saint Josemaría’s leadership, various educational and social initiatives were established, including:
Universities: He founded the University of Navarra in 1952, which has since become a renowned academic institution. Other universities inspired by his teachings include the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome and the Panamerican University in Mexico.
Hospitals: Saint Josemaría placed great importance on providing quality healthcare to those in need. As a result, hospitals were created such as the University Clinic of Navarra and other healthcare centers worldwide.
Social Programs: Many social initiatives were established under the influence of Saint Josemaría, including non-governmental organizations and charitable entities that provide support to the less fortunate.
Saint Josemaría’s influence continues to be seen in the teachings and work of prominent Catholic figures. Pope Francis has expressed admiration for Escrivá’s work and Pope Benedict XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) praised his teachings in the context of holiness in everyday life. The legacy of Saint Josemaría Escrivá can be found in the numerous biographies that have been written about him and the ongoing impact of his work in the Catholic Church and around the world.
Saint Josemaria’s Teachings
Prayer and Devotion to God
Saint Josemaria Escriva taught the importance of prayer in daily life. For him, prayer was a personal dialogue with God. He believed that through prayer, individuals could develop a deeper relationship with Jesus and strengthen their faith. Saint Josemaria encouraged people to pray throughout the day, from morning to night.
Sanctification Through Ordinary Work
One of the core teachings of Saint Josemaria Escriva was the sanctification of ordinary work. He believed that all work, no matter how mundane, could be done for the glory of God. Through this approach to work, individuals were able to find holiness in their everyday lives. This teaching was an essential aspect of Saint Josemaria’s doctrine of the “universal call to holiness” – the idea that every person was called to live a life of holiness.
Love for God and Neighbor
Central to Saint Josemaria Escriva’s teachings was the emphasis on love for God and neighbor. He considered love as an essential aspect of the Catholic faith. Saint Josemaria encouraged people to express their love for God by showing kindness and compassion to others, particularly those in need. Moreover, he believed that suffering should not discourage individuals but rather be used as an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and find strength through faith.
Marriage and Family Life
Saint Josemaria Escriva had a particular devotion to marriage and family life. He recognized the importance of committed, loving relationships between married people. According to his teachings, a Catholic marriage should be a reflection of the love between Jesus and the Church, providing a foundation for the spiritual growth of the entire family. He believed that the sanctity of marriage was part of the universal call to holiness for all people.
Associated Organizations and Institutions
University of Navarra
Founded in 1952 by Saint Josemaría Escrivá, the University of Navarra is a private university in Pamplona, Spain. The institution aims to integrate the laity into ordinary work and promote vocations in line with Escrivá’s teachings. With a focus on excellence in education and research, the university is well-regarded internationally for its contributions to various fields of study.
Primary and Secondary Schools
Numerous primary and secondary schools around the world follow the educational principles inspired by Saint Josemaría Escrivá. These institutions emphasize:
- The holistic development of students
- Academic excellence
- Formation in virtues and values
- The importance of parents in education
These schools, attended by children of diverse backgrounds, aim to nurture the seeds of piety and faith in their everyday interactions.
Hospitals and Charitable Foundations
The teachings of Saint Josemaría Escrivá also inspire a number of hospitals and charitable foundations that work towards providing accessible healthcare, education, and social welfare services.
In line with Escrivá’s vision, these organizations are dedicated to:
- Alleviating suffering through compassionate care
- Upholding the dignity and sanctity of human life
- Encouraging professional and personal development
By fostering a spirit of service, these institutions embody and continue the legacy of Saint Josemaría Escrivá.
